Guests were greeted by owners Derek and Shirley Mowat and hotel manager Samantha Wright. Wine Importers made sure we were fully stocked for the night, so guests quickly had Champagne in hand, as they made their way round the open bedrooms. Each new bedroom, from the striking Dunstane Suite to the “wee double” Fara Room, are the definition of luxury. Vispring mattresses, Noble Isle bath products and Loaf furnishings are all brought together beautifully by our designer, Hannah Lohan. The mirrored ceiling of a four-poster bed was a great talking point, along with the huge copper bath in the bay window of the Dunstane Suite. Out in the hallway of the first floor was a bar, set up by our friends at NB Gin. So with NB upstairs and Kirkuvagr Gin downstairs, you were never far from a refill for your G&T. What more can you ask for? Well if you did want more, the smoked salmon for our canapes was also soaked in Kirkuvagr gin. You’re welcome!

The canapes all showcased a small taster of what you can find on the Dunstane Houses all-day dining menu, such as mixed Mediterranean veg with olive tapenade and Campbells haggis bon bons with Arran mustard mayo. Getting a taste of our “other home”, Jolly’s in Orkney sent us their finest Smoked Mackerel, which was served with lemon cream and beetroot salsa. Alongside the Mackerel was a tasting of Vergelegen Chardonnay from Wine Importers. People began to get a real sense of the new bar and lounge area, as somewhere you can pop in for a drink, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. In fact especially if you aren’t staying in the hotel. We are very excited about how many of the local community are hoping to make drinks at the Ba’ Bar a regular occurrence. Many are eager to really test Food and Beverage manager Daniel’s superb cocktail knowledge, or take him up on the offer to sit down and talk about whisky. Whilst drinking it of course. With one of the finest rare whisky collections in the city and the most beautiful looking one (Daniel challenges you to show him otherwise!), it’s likely we will see you at the Dunstane Houses very soon.

We could not be prouder of our team and our new hotel, we look forward to welcoming you. Before you leave, take a look around the rest of our new website before you go. give into the wanderlust and book your next break.